Offer
'ɒfər
Definitions
4 meaningsTo present something to someone for them to accept or reject.
'ɒfər
To present something for acceptance or rejection.
I offered him my help with the project.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding a delicious cookie. When you OFFER it to your friend, you're giving them a chance to have it or not. It's like saying, 'Would you like this?'
👶 For kids: To give something to someone, like a present or a toy, and let them decide if they want it.
More Examples
They offered a substantial reward for the return of the stolen artwork.
The company offered a job to the most qualified candidate.
How It's Used
"The company offered a discount on bulk purchases."
"He offered her a seat on the bus."
To express a willingness to do something for someone.
'ɒfər
To express willingness or readiness to do something.
He offered to drive her home after the party.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is struggling with a heavy box. When you OFFER to help, you're saying, 'I'm ready to help you carry that!'
👶 For kids: To say you want to do something to help someone, like offering to carry their bag.
More Examples
She offered to cook dinner for her family.
I offered to assist with the fundraising event.
How It's Used
"She offered to help with the dishes."
"I offered to work overtime to finish the project."
A proposal or proposition made for acceptance or rejection.
'ɒfər
A proposition or suggestion made for consideration.
The job offer included a competitive salary and benefits.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone asking if you want to buy their toy. Their OFFER is the price and conditions of the sale.
👶 For kids: When someone says they will give you something, like a treat, it's called an offer.
More Examples
The real estate offer was accepted by the seller.
They rejected the offer to merge their companies.
How It's Used
"The company made a generous offer to acquire the competitor."
"He received several offers of employment."
The act of presenting something for acceptance or rejection.
'ɒfər
The offer of help came at the perfect time.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're offering someone a piece of your candy. The offering is the act of giving the candy and waiting to see what they'll do.
👶 For kids: The thing you do when you give something, like a present to someone, is called an offer.
More Examples
Her offer of support was greatly appreciated.
The initial offer was far too low, they couldn't come to an agreement.
How It's Used
"They made an offer to the gods."
"The initial offer was too low, and the negotiation was unsuccessful."
Idioms & expressions
offer a helping hand
To provide assistance or support to someone.
"When she saw him struggling, she offered a helping hand."
offer up
To present something for consideration or use.
"He offered up his home for the meeting."
From Old English offrian 'to present, sacrifice', from Latin offerre 'to present, proffer'.
Used since Old English for presenting or giving. Often associated with religious contexts initially (offering sacrifices).
Memory tip
Think of offering a gift. You present it, and the other person decides whether to take it.
Word Origin
"to present, proffer"